Round 7: The First Pan-Tekhum Mageball Competition

[Stygian]

Despite the flurry of air taxis, press ships, and just regular civilian vehicles, there is a strange order to the bustling traffic surrounding Uhrayan airspace. Nimble patrol vessels armed with rotary autocannons flank any diplomatic shuttles from their descent into low orbit. Visitors are guided all the way into Uhrayan spaceports at a fair, comfortable pace—pathing through the ambient traffic with explicit instructions provided so that the shuttle pilots can coordinate with their escort. Traffic jams seem few and far between, even with the added interruption to the flow—perhaps speaking to the skill of those involved in coordinating its flow. 

 

When Traffic Control takes over for final docking procedures, these escort vessels bank sharply in high-G turns before speeding off toward the upper atmosphere—almost as if the patrols are running a relay race to grab the next shuttle and guide it to its destination. 

 

Though wholly manmade, the beachside city maintains a temperate atmosphere, comfortable by the standards of most warm-blooded creatures. Kanmarran guides welcome each delegate and any competitors at their side, with a translating device available to bridge any language barriers—or simply to allow conversation in the native tongues of those who prefer it. There is no itinerary given, merely suggestions—and Elect in particular are given leave to explore much of Uhra’s entertainment. Individual guides only give caveats and reminders about the check-in deadline in order to compete in the Mageball exhibition.
 

Game Time

Once arrived at the arena, a myriad of pop-up ships can be seen throughout the pavilion—each laden with food from restaurants across Chela City, and decorated to entice potential customers. There are, of course, numerous VIP boxes for esteemed dignitaries—and none are turned away after a routine scan for explosive implements. Despite the seeming dissolution of the Khylokian state, it seemed as though surprise nuclear ordinance was still something of a Badalian bogeyman.

 

Navarch Tuahine is present in one of the skyboxes overlooking the arena as technicians work out final touches. The kanmarran heir is dressed more formally than usual—her robes are a bit more stiff and seem to be of higher quality, woven with intricate patterns that vaguely resemble seashells from afar.

 

The field itself appears to be a large, circular area with a myriad of scattered obstacles—boulders, small bodies of water, and collapsible titanium barricades that appear to cycle into play, rising and falling at random intervals. At the very center of the arena is a circular, metal hatch—likely where the ball is first released during standard play.

Over the loudspeaker, a booming voice crackles to life. “Welcome, one and all, to Chela City! In honor of the Alliance’s continued prosperity, we’ve paired up with the Llort Society Protectorate to answer an age old question. What happens when you stick six arcane prodigies in one arena and have them duke it out with ONE. BIG. BALL? That’s right, it’s Mageball!
 

Our teams are gearing up, so stuff your faces, hang onto your seats, and get ready to see some magical mastery—and if we’re lucky enough, a little bit of mayhem!”

Show OOC Rules

Rules are courtesy of Morph!
 

Mageball: a sporting event where teams of 3 mages(?) compete in a ball game where if the ball touches you, you're out of the game. They must use magic(?) to manipulate the environment, the goal, the ball and their opponents to try and win the game.

• Rulers are prohibited from entering. Heirs may enter and may use their full scores instead of half the ruler's scores. Commanders may enter and use their full Military score and half the ruler's scores (rounded down). Any other characters use the half the ruler's scores (rounded up).

• Participants should post the scores they are playing with.

• Teams must score 4 points to win.

• Players are knocked out of the game when they touch the ball. An opponent getting knocked out of the game scores 1 point.

• Getting the ball into or touching the goal scores 1 point.

• The goal can be any object of at least average human size, chosen by the team.

• The ball is a sphere 1 imperial foot in diameter.

• In any of their posts, players may do up to two of the following actions. Actions may be the first of their two actions, the second of their two actions, or their only action in a post.

  • Take possession of the ball if it is unpossessed (first, second or only action). At the start of the game, the ball is unpossessed.

  • Pass the ball to another player (second or only action). Make a roll of 2d6 + half Diplomacy OR 2d6 + half Faith (if using personal magic) OR 2d6 + half Economy (if using resource-based magic).

  • Receive the ball from another player (first or only action).

    • If you don't post within 24 hours of the ball being passed to you, the ball becomes unpossessed.

  • Intercept a pass between players on the opposing team (first or only action). Make a roll of 2d6 + half Intrigue.

    • If you roll higher than the roll of the player passing to another player, you take the ball!

    • If you roll lower, you may not take another action in the same post.

    • Only one intercept attempt may be made on every pass, and only before the other player has made a post receiving it.

  • Steal the ball from the player in possession of the ball (first or only action). Make an opposed roll of 2d6 + half Military OR 2d6 + half Intrigue.

    • If you roll higher than the opposing player, you steal the ball!

    • If you roll lower, you may not take another action in the same post.

    • On a tie, the ball becomes unpossessed.

    • For the sake of expediency, players may make the roll for the opposing player as well, in the same post. Obviously using the higher of Military or Intrigue for the opposing player. The rolls should be clearly marked for whom they are rolled.

  • Target another player if you have control of the ball (second or only action). Make a roll of 2d6 + half Faith (if using personal magic) OR 2d6 + half Economy (if using resource-based magic).

    • You may not target a player if you have stolen the ball from them in the same post.

  • Defend a player from a shot (first or only action). When a player is targeted by another player, the target player or any of their teammates must make a roll of 2d6 + half Faith (if using personal magic) OR 2d6 + half Economy (if using resource-based magic) OR--if they are the target player--2d6 + half Military (to physically dodge).

    • If the defending player rolls lower than the attacking player, the targeted play is hit! The target player is out of the game. The attacking team scores 1 point.

    • If the defending player rolls higher, that player may immediately take control of the ball and act on it. If the target player successfully dodged using Military, the ball becomes unpossessed.

  • Target the goal if you have control of the ball (second or only action). Roll 2d6 + half Faith (if using personal magic) OR 2d6 + half Economy (if using resource-based magic). A TN 12 hits the goal, but the opposing team has one chance to Defend the goal, if they so choose.

  • Defend the goal from a shot (first or only action). Roll 2d6 + half Faith (if using personal magic) OR 2d6 + half Economy (if using resource-based magic). If you rolled higher than the roll of the player who made the shot, you successfully block the goal! If you rolled lower than the roll of the player who made the shot, you didn't successfully block the goal and the other team scores 1 point. If you rolled equal to the roll of the player who made the shot, you successfully defend the goal, but the ball hits you instead. The opposing team scores 1 point and you are out of the game.

• Upon a point being scored, possession of the ball goes to one of the players on the opposing team (whichever one takes possession of the ball first). If there are no players left and the remaining team only has 3 points, they lose the game and the other team wins.

• If players wish to do any interactions not directly covered by the above rules, they are free to make something up as long as both the attacking player and defending player agree on the mechanics of it. Or, if it's not an attacking/defending kind of interaction, if everyone on the opposing team (not including players who have been knocked out) agrees on the mechanics of it.

Show Roster

Team A (Name TBD)

1. Admiral-Legate Victolus (ILU)
2. Vacant
3. Vacant

 

Team B (Name TBD)

1. Princess Tiyansi (LSP)
2. Vacant
3. Vacant

Please indicate which Team you would like to compete in during your entry post if participating! Once six competitors have entered, any other interested parties will be waitlisted if there is a last minute drop.

OOC

Just a reminder that rulers may attend, but may not participate! Feel free to interact, approach anyone you like, or even make up minor NPCs within reason.
 

Snake News and Hellosphere Enterprises are given press passes to cover the event as they see fit.

 

 

[SerakHawk]

The Illumined Utopian delegation is frequently seen in the lands of the Alliance with Console Antonius' known partnership with the Alliance's heir to power. This event is no different, in a reserved booth Console Antonius sits with the newly minted Console-Elect Giovani to experience the game and perhaps sneak more time in with Tuahine as his life had become significantly more complicated since becoming Console.

 

Admiral Legate Victolus [7 mil, half 7 faith] had posted the willingness to participate in the event prior and was getting ready to join the games.

[EmBark]

Inter-Orbital Diplomatic Delegation VIP Box #X

Back home on Al-Miraiya, all the channels were abuzz with news that the sporting events of the Llort Society Protectorate were now becoming a kind of cultural export, as shown by the collaborative effort put into it by the Uhrayans and the Eucrus Alliance. Naturally, a large excursion of civilian ships was organized so that the people of the Society, human and llort alike, could attend it and be part of the audience. Above all was Society Consul Hanyeo, the Grey Eminence of the Imperial Senate, who had championed this cause.

They stand in one of the VIP boxes for the inter-orbital diplomatic delegations, as close to the edge as possible, as close to the action as possible, arms wide and smiling. They stand at nine imperial feet tall with several pairs of curved horns, almost like antlers. Their skin is space-black and specked with gold and silver, almost like many glowing tiny tattoos, or as if someone had pricked holes into their skin to let through an inner starlight. Their garb seems comparitively solemn, robes in grey tones that don't come close to the ground.

"Marvelous! This is marvelous!" Hanyeo says. "It has been ever so long since I personally could attend a mageball match. The cross-national teams are a great twist on the typical concept. I am eager to see the prowess of all the athletes on the field!"

 

OOC

Since I made the mechanics for the game, I figure it's probably fairer to stay out of competing myself, but if a sixth player is needed in like 48 hours I'll happily jump in with my heir.

 

Edited April 25 by EmBark (see edit history)

[Elemental]

Inter-Orbital Diplomatic Delegation VIP Box #X

Johnathon Royston Rageclaw, First Minister of Ishtahnos, stands at Hanyeo's side, but far enough away to avoid any enthusiastic gestures. Compared to the Llort Consul, he appears almost shockingly mundane, an older gentleman with hair turned almost entirely silver-grey by time, one eye beginning to cloud from the early stages of a cataract. He stands just shy of seven feet, his back slightly bent by the burdens of age and office and so he is forced to look up at Hanyeo, a strange experience for an Ishtahn. He has on a black suit with a blood red neckerchief and matching scarf under a heavy coat of black aurochs leather which has been studded with tiny pieces of black glass to make it glitter slightly in the light. It seemed appropriate given he's with the Llort right now, though given Hanyeo's grey robe he's unsure.

"As am I Consul. It's a shame we were unable to field competitors, but that just means I'll be excited whoever wins," he says politely.

[EmBark]

Inter-Orbital Diplomatic Delegation VIP Box #X

"That's the spirit." Hanyeo responds to Minister Rageclaw. "In sports, it matters not who wins. It merely matters that someone wins. The avenues in life where the same holds true are there as well, though you'll find fewer people agreeing."

The Grey Eminence turns to the First Minister with an appreciating look.

"Regardless, I have come to find a location such as this lends itself well to sociopolitics. You've come a long way to join me here. I'll be interested in what you have to say."

"Sasa." Said another llort who came into the VIP Box. Much shorter than Hanyeo, skin not as dark, and with silvery glow instead of golden. Her long whip-like tail was curled up and hung like a lasso over one elbow. Princess Tiyansi.

Hanyeo greeted her quietly, with arms wide and a gentle smile. They bent down and the two pressed foreheads and horns together.

"My child. My daughter. I wish you great success on this field of contest. May you also become my champion. Our champion."

"Danke, sasa."

 

The Arena

Down on the field of contest, Princess Tiyansi breathed deeply as she entered. The tight spacesuit she wore served well as an athletic uniform as well. She stood across from where the other team would enter.

 

OOC

Entering on the side of Team B, opposite ILU!

Rolling with Tiyansi's scores: Dip 4, Mil 1, Econ 3, Faith 4, Intr 3.

Mostly aim to roll with Faith (personal magic) and Intrigue.

 

[Featherscale]

Glim'Bosk convinced her sister and Dmitr'Hesk to come with her to Mageball to peddle her new technology. "It would be fun", she said.

 

Her sister, a traditional Queen, did not deign speak, but her herald let it be known she had tentative interest, but was skeptical.

 

Dmitr'Hesk, a very important member of the Outer Duma, thought this would be a great way to get his name out there, by associating with a famous freethinker and a traditional Queen, both representing the glory of the Combine.

 

He was also an uncommonly powerful medium and guided the twins into a dyad, something normally only formed by Nymphs. They each took our their reverse theramins and started humming, practicing using the Lepkashramov devices to gain telekinetic power...

 

...after some practice, The Freeholding Queen decided she would enter, as only one of the three could participate and the other two were busy.

Edited April 28 by Featherscale (see edit history)

[JBarca]

With a whisper like that of dry skin over rough paper, High Lord Karim-12 slides into the VIP box alongside the Elect and their representatives. Ze is smiling a bit too wide, showing a bit too much eyeball, and is clearly enjoying zirself.

 

"Good day, good day! Ah, but to be young and free of responsibility. Were I new to the game, I'd have signed up myself. Tell me, where do the wagers stand?"

 

An attendant of Karim-12's, clearly very new to the position, hides a grimace as her master ignores proper introductions in favor of an early peak at the arena. She's quick to note attendees, though, and records everything that Karim-12 and the diplomats say. She is careful, though, to stand a full pace away from Karim-12. The reason quickly is apparent; zir elbow suddenly shoots backward at impossible speed as though ze is trying to slam it into someone behind zir. Ze shows no sign that ze's noticed zir own tic, eyes glued to the viewing area.

[Elemental]

11 hours ago, EmBark said:

Inter-Orbital Diplomatic Delegation VIP Box #X

"That's the spirit." Hanyeo responds to Minister Rageclaw. "In sports, it matters not who wins. It merely matters that someone wins. The avenues in life where the same holds true are there as well, though you'll find fewer people agreeing."

The Grey Eminence turns to the First Minister with an appreciating look.

"Regardless, I have come to find a location such as this lends itself well to sociopolitics. You've come a long way to join me here. I'll be interested in what you have to say."

"Sasa." Said another llort who came into the VIP Box. Much shorter than Hanyeo, skin not as dark, and with silvery glow instead of golden. Her long whip-like tail was curled up and hung like a lasso over one elbow. Princess Tiyansi.

Hanyeo greeted her quietly, with arms wide and a gentle smile. They bent down and the two pressed foreheads and horns together.

"My child. My daughter. I wish you great success on this field of contest. May you also become my champion. Our champion."

"Danke, sasa."

Johnathon waits patiently, keeping himself out of Hanyeo and Tiyansi's moment. It wasn't his place to intrude, but he did feel a warm sense of nostalgia as he remembered back to when his own children were of comparable age. Once the moment had passed he turned his attention back to the arena, his eyes scanning the field of play.

"Before we ruin things by talking of affairs of state, I propose a friendly wager. If Princess Tiyansi scores the first point I will give you a bottle of aged goldenberry brandy and if she does not then you will owe me some of that Petrol Barrel Moonshine, I've been eager to try it and it's impossible to get," he says before letting out a soft sigh, "But yes, I have come a long way and not solely out of a desire to at last see the sights of Tekhum. As you are no doubt aware the Ministry of Trade has failed miserably for over a decade to secure much desired imports of spices and frankly it's a huge embarrassment. Our negotiators just don't seem to gel with the spicers of Mekhala and we can't figure it out and so we look further afield in the hopes that Wakinyan might provide.

"It is my understanding that the Llort Society has its eyes firmly set on the exploration of Wakinyan?"

 

6 hours ago, JBarca said:

With a whisper like that of dry skin over rough paper, High Lord Karim-12 slides into the VIP box alongside the Elect and their representatives. Ze is smiling a bit too wide, showing a bit too much eyeball, and is clearly enjoying zirself.

 

"Good day, good day! Ah, but to be young and free of responsibility. Were I new to the game, I'd have signed up myself. Tell me, where do the wagers stand?"

 

An attendant of Karim-12's, clearly very new to the position, hides a grimace as her master ignores proper introductions in favor of an early peak at the arena. She's quick to note attendees, though, and records everything that Karim-12 and the diplomats say. She is careful, though, to stand a full pace away from Karim-12. The reason quickly is apparent; zir elbow suddenly shoots backward at impossible speed as though ze is trying to slam it into someone behind zir. Ze shows no sign that ze's noticed zir own tic, eyes glued to the viewing area.

The Ishtahn First Minister bows respectfully to the Imperial High Lord, it would be rude to greet His Grace, The Emperor's representative any other way.

"Your Excellency, it is a rare pleasure to have you here with us. I am not familiar with everyone else's bets, but the Consul and I were considering a friendly wager between us. Nothing dramatic or exciting of course, after all, could you imagine the scandal if I lost my shirt to Hanyeo? The newspapers would have a field day."